Acorn
An Acorn fund is a starter fund that grows over time (with a maximum of five years to become fully funded). When contributions reach the minimum donation for the specific type of fund, granting can begin. Minimum of $500 to establish; amount to become fully funded varies.
Agency
Agency funds allow charitable organizations to establish endowment funds within the Foundation rather than create and manage such a fund themselves. Minimum of $500 to establish; minimum of $10,000 to grant.
Designated Name
A Designated Name fund is established to benefit one or more specified charitable organizations. The donor’s designation(s) will be honored in perpetuity (subject to trustee authorization). Minimum of $500 to establish; minimum of $10,000 to grant.
Donor Advised
A Donor Advised fund enables donors to make suggestions that match their philanthropic interests with nonprofit organizations. (Please note that IRS regulations require the ultimate decision-making authority for the award of the grants to lie with the Foundation.) The Donor Advised fund is especially useful for donors who want to take a charitable deduction in one year and make distributions over several years. Minimum of $1500 to establish; minimum of $25,000 to grant.
Field of Interest
A Field of Interest fund allows donors to allocate their contribution for the benefit of one or more areas of interest. These include, but are not limited to, education, health, social services, the arts, or preservation of resources. Field of Interest funds are very broad in scope, yet encompass many of the essential strengths and needs of the community. Minimum of $500 to establish; minimum of $10,000 to grant.
Municipal
Municipal funds are established by municipalities for a specific purpose. These charitable funds can help provide income for operations and maintenance of public facilities and programs. Minimum of $500 to establish, minimum of $10,000 to grant.
Operating
The Operating fund provides operating support for the Foundation. Support of the Operating fund makes a lasting impact on the community by providing resources to expand the mission of the Foundation.
Pass-Through
A Pass-Through gift may be made through a specific fund for a specific purpose. In most cases these are short-term charitable projects benefiting our community or a particular agency. Minimum of $500 to establish; minimum of $10,000 to grant. Some restrictions apply.
Scholarship
Scholarship funds are dedicated to the continued education or training of children or adults. Scholarship programs may be designed to meet certain specifications, such as supporting students in a specific area of study, rewarding academic achievement, mitigating financial need, or supporting students from a particular high school. The Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation supports the Eau Claire Area School District scholarships.
Supporting Organization
A supporting organization (also known as a "supporting foundation") is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed to support the work of another charitable organization. It is a distinct legal entity affiliated with the Eau Claire Community Foundation's purposes and operations.
Unrestricted
An Unrestricted fund allows the donor’s charitable giving to have the greatest possible impact now and in the future. The Foundation is authorized to allocate gifts to a variety of programs and services, giving the most flexibility in responding to emerging needs and opportunities in the community. Minimum of $500 to establish; minimum of $10,000 to grant.